Chelsea poised to hijack Liverpool deal if Reds fail to reach agreement

Chelsea continue their pre-season preparation with a game against Newcastle United on Thursday, as part of the Premier League Summer Series. 

The Blues have so far beaten both Wrexham and Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, and will be hoping to continue their momentum by getting the better of the Magpies.

So far during the current transfer window, several first team players have left Stamford Bridge, including Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante.

There have only been two new arrivals so far, though, in the form of Christopher Nkunku and striker Nicolas Jackson.

Now, though, it appears that the Blues could still make a move to sign one of Liverpool’s midfield targets.

As per Football Insider, Chelsea are waiting in the wings to beat the Reds to the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Lavia remains a target for both Chelsea and Liverpool

The report claims that the Merseyside outfit have had their first offer for the player rejected by the Saints, which was said to be worth an initial £35 million – potentially rising to £40 million.

Southampton are holding firm on their £50 million valuation of the player, the report claims, despite Lavia having only made 36 senior career appearances to date.

Despite Liverpool pushing ahead for a deal, it is claimed that the Blues have been working hard behind the scenes on a potential deal for Lavia and haven’t yet given up hope of signing the player.

Chelsea are reportedly waiting to see how their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo plays out before committing to a move for Lavia.

Lavia, 19, joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and impressed during his first season on the south coast, making 34 appearances across all competitions.

Although he was unable to prevent Southampton from being relegated, Lavia’s performances didn’t go unnoticed and the player appears extremely unlikely to remain at St. Mary’s beyond the end of the current transfer window.